Terror in Zamfara: Mass Kidnapping Escalates as Elderly Captive Dies, Ransom Demanded

Fifty elderly residents of Magami Diddi village in the Faru/Magami Ward of Maradun Local Government Area in Zamfara State were abducted by armed bandits while on a self-initiated reconciliation mission to a forest stronghold. This incident occurred despite repeated warnings from local authorities against direct engagement with armed groups. The victims, primarily village elders, sought to secure access to farmlands ahead of the planting season, travelling without government approval.

The abduction was reportedly carried out by a notorious bandit leader identified as Jammo, who operates from the Muntsira Forest axis, also referred to as the Dajin Natsira forest, a long-standing haven for armed groups in Zamfara State. Hon. Bello Dosara, the Chairman of Maradun Local Government Area, confirmed the incident, stating that the local government and Governor Dauda Lawal were against reconciliation with bandits.

Out of the 50 initially abducted, 11 were later released by Jammo, leaving 39 in captivity. However, one of the remaining captives, identified as Baba Bako, has since died in captivity due to old age and his frail condition. His death was communicated to relatives by the abductors during a telephone conversation, during which they also issued a fresh ransom demand.

The abductors are demanding N125 million for the release of the remaining 38 victims, with a warning that the money must be paid promptly, or they would torture elderly captives or increase the ransom amount. Additionally, Jammo is separately demanding N24 million in exchange for three seized rifles. The immediate challenge for families and community members is how to raise the substantial ransom amount to secure the freedom of their loved ones.

Bello Husseini, the councillor representing Magami/Faru Ward, provided further details, highlighting a cycle of reprisals between the bandits and the local security outfit known as the ‘Askarawa’. He explained that the latest tragedy began after the bandit leader requested reconciliation following the killing of one of his fighters during a military operation in Kandare village. The community, acting independently and against government policy, sent the 50-man delegation, which was then betrayed and kidnapped upon arrival.

The councillor, who has been forced to relocate from his ward due to insecurity, strongly opposes any form of negotiation with the armed group, emphasizing their untrustworthiness. The incident has heightened fear and anxiety across the community. Both the council chairman and ward councillor have urgently called on the Federal Government and security agencies to launch a decisive military operation in the Dajin Natsira forest, stressing that such an intervention could bring peace to several local government areas in the state.